Castle doctorine upheld today!

[Diomed]

VCDL has had plenty of time and opportunity to properly word a Castle Doctrine draft bill; yet, they have made no effort to do so. They have pursued other legislation instead. This is in spite of the fact that VCDL knows a large part of it's membership wants a Castle Doctrine. I don't buy VCDL's current spin on this issue.

VCDL is right; we don't need a castle doctrine or stand your ground law, because we already have them. The mistakes-in-the-making the legislature is currently considering seem to be the result of other parties agitating for them. Act in haste, repent at leisure.

What we need is an immunity from civil suit law. No more, no less.

[VBshooter]

They also need to extend protection to wherever you may be , not just your home or domicile...Personally I would add protection of ones property to it too! I have to wonder of those submitting bills watered them down to hopefully get them passed easier... If one slips by we can always raise hell with the Governors office to Veto it

[Chasbo00]

VCDL has had plenty of time and opportunity to properly word a Castle Doctrine draft bill; yet, they have made no effort to do so. They have pursued other legislation instead. This is in spite of the fact that VCDL knows a large part of it's membership wants a Castle Doctrine. I don't buy VCDL's current spin on this issue.

VCDL is right; we don't need a castle doctrine or stand your ground law, because we already have them. The mistakes-in-the-making the legislature is currently considering seem to be the result of other parties agitating for them. Act in haste, repent at leisure.

What we need is an immunity from civil suit law. No more, no less.

My issue with VCDL is that I believe they have been and remain disinterested in obtaining a Castle Doctrine for VA, but they are not acknowledging this. If they would simply say that rather than acting like a politician and fostering drama, I would have little issue with VCDL. They need to man-up and tell their membership that they just don't think a Castle Doctrine is needed in Virginia - if that's in fact their position. If they are in favor of a Castle Doctrine, then they need to quit making excuses and get busy doing whatever is needed in support of a Castle Doctrine effort - and do so publicly.

[DryBones]

so what is the official stance in Virginia??? I keep hearing people tell me that I need to retreat as far into my home as possible until I am in a "back against the wall" position before I am legally okay to fire upon an intruder that means me harm. Help me understand the legals on this issue.

[GeneFrenkle]

@chas - my umderstanding from folks is that castle doctrine would actually weaken the case law, so it isn't really necessary. IANAL, though.

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[DryBones]

so what is the official stance in Virginia??? I keep hearing people tell me that I need to retreat as far into my home as possible until I am in a "back against the wall" position before I am legally okay to fire upon an intruder that means me harm. Help me understand the legals on this issue.

Anybody?

[WRW]

Retreat is for those that were a party to the altercation, as in a verbal disagreement that was escalating to the point of violence. Otherwise, "stand your ground".

I wouldn't allow my research to stop here, was I you. There are other sites that have more comprehensive explanations of our self defense laws.

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[DryBones]

thanks, I'm mostly interested in the home invasion defense scenario but will keep searching and reading. Funny that my NRA instructor told me I had to retreat even in my home.... this didn't seem right to me.

[WRW]

DryBones, you did say "means me harm". In that scenario, you might have to justify that statement. A lawyer could be a huge asset toward that end.

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[DryBones]

DryBones, you did say "means me harm". In that scenario, you might have to justify that statement. A lawyer could be a huge asset toward that end.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

how about "if I feel they mean me harm, as in making advancing, aggressive movements"??? lots of grey in there I know.

[WRW]

"after an order to stop" couldn't hurt.

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[Reverenddel]

If I'm sitting on chair in my study, typing this, and you come into my house by force?

You're a threat, I have retreated as far as I need to,and I'm sure that it wouldn't be a good experience for me legally...

...but a damned spite better than the bastage coming in by force.

In other words, DEFEND YOURSELF! Worry about the aftermath, AFTERWARDS! Don't hesitate to defend your life, or family, because of being "sued". The bad guys bet on that.

[moss20]

Defend Yourself, then get a shovel.

Don't ask, don't tell.